(Misumena vatia)
The Goldenrod Crab Spider can be found on all parts of the BC Coast, but being so small, you have to look hard to spot them. They are very good at hiding from their enemies, as well as ambushing their prey.
Crab spiders come in many colours. They can sit on a flower and be almost invisible! Sometimes, the very insects they plan to eat will walk right up to them. Some crab spiders can change colours to blend into their surroundings, making them one of the best camouflage experts around.
Resembling crabs in both appearance and in their way of walking, crab spiders truly live up to their namesakes. Their front legs point forward, making them look even more crab-like, and just like crabs, they are very quick.
Crab spiders are one of the smallest species of arachnid, making them easy prey for other animals and spiders to eat. These little 8-legged animals hide in flowers, on leaves, in the grass, & in the bark of trees, waiting patiently for prey to pass their way. The crab spider doesn’t have enough venom to hurt a human, but it can easily disable its victim if it is small enough. Crab spiders are found just about everywhere, around the world.
I found this little one on a hand rail post, Nanaimo, BC.
Do these spiders bite human. I got a nasty bite in my garden. The only spider I could see was almost white. I live on 5 acres in Ladysmith.
Their fangs are far to short to penetrate human skin.
You probably got bit by a Brown Recluse Spider. They can be so small you don’t see them as the full size adult ones are quite visible but can camouflage in it’s environment. Their bite feels like burning matches on your skin and it can be deadly as the bite can increase in size like acid burning your skin if not treated right away.
Hi, we have no recluse spiders on Vancouver Island.
I beg to differ. Yes we do. Was bitten by one confirmed brown recluse.
Click Here for detailed information on the recluse
Yes, I agree. Most experts say that we have recluse “look alike” spiders but I have a friend with a confirmed recluse spider bite. She took the specimen to an expert for identification. She had a VERY serious bite!